What does it feel like to fly a jet fighter?

Question

Does it feel like the feeling you get on a rollercoaster where it causes your stomach to feel like it is being tickled?

Answer 1

A, good, rollercoaster has one experiencing about 1.5- 2G's positive and may.5G negative.  A "G" is the force of gravity, well right now, as you're sitting or standing in front of your computer.  (So "2G's" means you're feeling TWICE the effect of gravity: in essence you weight twice as much)  Even then it's only instantaneous (you only feel it for a second or two).  Take that feeling and multiply it by 3-4 positive G (when you feel like sinking into your seat), and by 3 for negative G (when you feel like you're lifting out of the seat).  That kind of gives you a mental picture of  4-6G's positive and 1.5 - 2G's negative.  Also imagine feeling that for 20-30 seconds at a time, and back to back:  positive-negative and back again.  

For F4's which is what I flew wayyy back, about 6G's positive and 2 negative was what we would pull sustained.  Fighters like F14/F15/16/18/22/35/Grypen/Typhoon/Mig29... etc typically do 8-9G's positive sustained.

Another way to look at it, is it feels like someone's pressing you into/through your seat (positive) or trying to throw you out of the jet (negative).

Yes, if you're thinking does that make people throw up.  Everyone gets used to it after some time in the jet, though.

Answer 2

It depends on what you do.  If you just take off, climb out, cruise at altitude, descend, and land, it feels just like flying a jet airliner.  Remember that the jet airliners of the late 20th and early 21st century have about the same performance as the first generation of jet fighters made in the Cold War/Korean War era.

If you decide to boogie a little and go make circles and zigzags and whimmydiddles and other aerobatic maneuvers, you will experience "G" forces and some swirling of your inner ears.  This can be exhilarating if you are prepared for it, or it can sometimes be really unpleasant.  You can leave your stomach behind you and 500 feet above you.  Most people don't find that to be fun.

You just have to be crazy and maybe a little self-destructive.  I flew an F-80 one time, and it felt very much like flying the 747-400 I flew for a living, except the company usually prefers you don't do loops and rolls in the 747.  I loved it, and if I was filthy rich I would get me one.

I have also flown a P-47 and a P-51.  For my money, those are more fun, and even more maneuverable.  And they are easier to start, taxi, operate the gadgets, and keep them maintained.

So yes, jet fighters can be fun.  Fly one if you get a chance.  There are things that are even more fun.  Do that, too, if you get  a chance.